Imagine a Christmas trip to the most spectacular corners of the world, carefully chosen for their unique festive charm. “Planet Earth”with its 1.7 million followers, offers us a selection of 19 destinations that combine traditions, magical lights and a festive atmosphere.
Best Christmas Destinations Around the Globe Planet Earth Facebook Collage
From New York City, with the famous tree at Rockefeller Center, to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, each place promises an unforgettable experience. But also European cities, such as Vienna, Prague or Strasbourg, prove to be real Christmas wonders, with charming fairs and lights that bring the magic of winter to life.
So what will be your dream destination this festive season?
Planet Earth’s proposals
Here are the proposed destinations and what makes them special:
1. New York City, USA – Christmas in New York is legendary, with the famous Christmas window at Macy’s, the illuminations at Rockefeller Center and the giant tree. The festive atmosphere is complemented by Broadway shows and plenty of outdoor activities such as ice skating.
2. Lapland, Finland – Traveling to Lapland is every Christmas lover’s dream. Here at Santa’s Village, visitors can experience a magical winter with snowy landscapes and a fairytale atmosphere.
3. Vienna, Austria – In Vienna, the winter holidays are in the air with Christmas markets offering craft gifts, mulled wine and delicious baked goods. The festive atmosphere perfectly matches the elegant architecture of the Austrian capital.
4. Nuremberg, Germany – The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Germany. Visitors can explore stalls with traditional products, the giant Christmas tree and enjoy the delicious sweet cakes.
5. Quebec City, Canada – Quebec City is turning into a “Winter Wonderland” with snow covered streets and holiday lights. Its charming European atmosphere is complemented by Christmas markets and traditional celebrations.
6. Rovaniemi, Finland – In Rovaniemi, the birthplace of Santa Claus, visitors can meet him, go to Lapland and admire the magnificent show of the Northern Lights.
7. Tokyo, Japan – Christmas in Tokyo brings a unique combination of Japanese and Western traditions. Spectacular illuminations and light decorations bring the magic of the holidays to a vibrant cityscape.
8. Bethlehem, Palestine – The birthplace of Jesus is an important pilgrimage site for Christians. Christmas in Bethlehem is marked by religious services, historical traditions and a special spiritual atmosphere.
9. Strasbourg, France – Rightly known “The Capital of Christmas”Strasbourg turns into a winter wonderland with its charming squares and the huge Christmas tree in Place Kléber.
10. London, Great Britain – London comes alive at Christmas time with Oxford Street illuminations, Christmas markets and traditional ice rinks.
11. Copenhagen, Denmark – Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens is an unforgettable Christmas destination with its twinkling lights, festive decorations and cozy city center atmosphere.
12. Chicago, USA – In Chicago, Millennium Park’s Christmas markets and its seasonal attractions create a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
13. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico – With its colorful and lively traditions, San Miguel de Allende offers a unique Mexican Christmas experience with “Posadas” (traditional holidays) and local festivities.
14. Edinburgh, Scotland – Christmas in Edinburgh brings a medieval and traditional atmosphere, with Christmas markets and lights that make the city seem like something out of a fairy tale.
15. Prague, Czech Republic – In Prague, the Christmas Markets in the Old Town Square are charming and the medieval architecture perfectly matches the festive winter atmosphere.
16. Malta – Malta celebrates its Christmas with unique traditions and festive lights, offering a relaxing atmosphere in the middle of a mild winter on the Mediterranean islands.
17. Budapest, Hungary – Budapest is a magical place at Christmas time, with its Christmas markets, twinkling lights and stunningly beautiful winter scenery.
18. Tallinn, Estonia – With a charming medieval town and a cozy Christmas Market, Tallinn is a dream destination for lovers of tradition and history.
19. Zurich, Switzerland – Zurich, with its mountain scenery and Christmas markets, offers a dreamlike atmosphere, complemented by the spectacular illuminations that bring the city to life during the winter season.
Planet Earth’s Forgotten Christmas Destinations: Surprises and Unexpected Proposals
Planet Earth’s selection of the best Christmas destinations is impressive, but omits iconic places like Colmar, France, famous for its fairytale fairs, and Salzburg, Austria, with its unique traditions and connection to Mozart.
Although it was announced that there are 20 places proposed to be visited, in reality, Vienna was nominated twice in this selection.
An interesting detail: the list was illustrated with a photo of the fair in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, a charming place that was not included in this ranking. Called the Reiterlesmarkt, it has been taking place for half a millennium in the impeccably preserved medieval town, offering a fairytale atmosphere. The city itself, with its narrow streets and historic buildings, adds a unique charm, attracting tourists from all over the world every winter.
Also, the Christmas markets in Sibiu and Craiova were suggested by both Romanian and foreign Internet users, along with other unexplored destinations. Find more details about some of the proposed destinations HERE.
